Partition structures



April 30, 1968 J. L. KOTOWICK 3,380,642

PARTITION STRUCTURES Filed 001.. 24, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent flice 3,38%,642 Patented Apr. 30, 1968 3,380,642 PARTITIGN STRUCTURES Eoseph L. Kotowick, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada Crown Zellerbach Corp., 1 Bush St, San Francisco, Calif. 94104) Filed Oct. 24, 1965, Ser. N 564,735 20 Claims. (Cl. 229-15) This invention relates in general to partition structures for containers and, more particularly, to cellular inserts for packing containers.

Often it is desirable to divide conventional packing cartons into several compartments to segregate various articles of merchandise. For example, gallon jugs containing liquids and made of glass are often packed four to a carton with dividers interposed between the four jugs to prevent the jugs from smashing together and breaking when the packing carton is subjected to severe jolts. Perhaps the simplest method of dividing cartons involves two rectilinear partition elements sized and shaped to fit transversely across the interior of the carton at right angles to one another. The elements are centrally provided with vertical slits which extend slightly past the center of the partition element and receive that portion of the matching partition element beyond its slit. In other words, with the two partition elements substantially perpendicular to one another, the slits thereof are brought into mutual engagement and the elements pressed toward one another. Such dividers, however, require the presence of articles within the container to maintain their shape and, furthermore, comprise only a single thickness of material and, therefore, do not adequately protect fragile contents.

Attempts have been made to produce partition structures which possess greater rigidity and afford more protection to the contents of the containers, but such attempts have generally resulted in inserts of intricate design which are expensive to manufacture and dilficult to assemble. Moreover, many of such inserts must be either partially or completely assembled at point of manufacture before shipment and thereby consume considerable space within the vehicle used for transporting the same to the ultimate user.

It is, therefore, the primary object of the present invention to provide cellular inserts which can be easily and rapidly assembled and installed in packing containers.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide cellular inserts of the type stated which are simple in construction and economical to manufacture.

It is another object of the present invention to provide cellular inserts of the type stated which absorb shocks to which the container is subjected and thereby protect fragile contents.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide cellular insert blanks which consume a minimum amount of storage space and thereby lend themselves to economical bulk shipment and storage. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the constructions hereinafter described, the scope of the invention being indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which several of the various possible embodiments of the invention are illustrated:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an insert blank constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the insert blank after the first step of assembly;

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the insert blank after the second step of assembly;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the insert blank after the third step of assembly;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the completely assembled insert;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a modified form of insert blank; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view partially broken away showing the modified form of insert during the final stages of assembly.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawmgs.

Referring now in more detail and by reference characters to the drawings, which illustrate practical embodiments of the present invention, A designates a cellular insert formed from any suitable sheet material such as corrugated paperboard. When in the disassembled position, as best seen in FIG. 1, insert A comprises a substantially rectilinear sheet or insert blank 1 having parallel side margins 2, 3, and parallel end margins 4, 5. At its one end, the insert blank 1 is integrally provided with a triangular tab 6 which is delineated on its inwardly presented side by a perforated score line 7, the score line 7 being, in effect, a continuation of the end margins 4. The triangular tab 6 is bisected by a small substantially rectilinear panel 8 delineated on its sides by perforated score lines 9, 10, which extend perpendicularly from the score line 7. Panel 8 possesses a transverse dimension In which is substantially equal to twice the thickness of the sheet material from which the insert A is constructed, all for purposes presently more fully appearing.

At its other end, the blank 1 is integrally provided with a rectilinear end flap 11 which is partially defined on its inwardly presented side by perforated score lines 12, the score lines 12 being parallel and in close proximity to the end margin 5. The end flap 11 is bisected by a small rectilinear panel 13 defined on its sides by parallel perforated score lines 14, 15.

Immediately inwardly from the end flap 11, the blank 1 is centrally cut out in the provision of an aperture 16 which is shaped in the configuration of an isosceles triangle and is sized to accept the triangular tab 6, as best com in FIG. 3. The aperture 16 is located so that its base is disposed along the continuation of the score lines 12 and its vertex is on the longitudinal centerline of the blank 1. It should be noted that the tab 6 and aperture 16 can be of any convenient configuration, such as rectangular or semi-circular, a triangular configuration being only described for purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation. Similarly, the end flap 11 need not necessarily be of rectangular configuration, but it has been found that such a configuration lends itself to mass production techniques.

The blank 1 is traversed by a plurality of score lines 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22., which are interposed between and parallel to the end margins 4, 5, and score lines 12. As best seen in FIG. 1, score lines 17, 18, and score lines 21, 22, are separated from each other by a distance n. Similarly, the score lines 21, 20, and score lines 19, 18, are separated by a distance a, as are the score lines 12, 22, and the score line 1.7 and the end margins 4. The distance between score lines 19, 20, which is designated dimension r, equals twice the dimension n.

Along its longitudinal centerline and between the vertex of the triangular aperture 16 and score line 20, the blank 1 is cut in the provision of a slit 23, which divides the blank 1 into a plurality of matching panels, namely, intermediate wall panels 24, 24', side wall panels 25, 25, and end wall panels 26, 26. On its opposite side, the blank 1 is out along its longitudinal centerline between the score lines 7 and 19 in the provision of a slit 27 which also divides the sheet into a plurality of matching panels,

3 namely, intermediate wall panels 28, 28', side wall panels 29, 29, and end wall panels 30, 30'. Along its longitudinal centerline and between the score lines 19, 20, the center portion of blank 1 is partially cut, that is to say, out through one face, in the provision of a slit score line 31 which divides it into matching panels 32, 32'. Centrally disposed between the score lines 19, 20, along the slit score line 31 is a rectangular aperture 33 having a length which is slightly greater than the distance from the end margin 5 to the vertex of the triangular aperture 16, all for purposes presently more fully appearing.

Unassembled inserts A can be manufactured in a simple one-step stamping operation which results in blanks 1. Because the blanks 1 are substantially rectilinear in configuration and the apertures 16, 33, are relatively small, little material is wasted. Also, the blanks 1 lend themselves to convenient and economical shipment and storage in that they avail themselves of practically all space available for shipping or storage, whatever the case may be.

The ultimate user of inserts A can quickly transform the blank 1 into an assembled cellular container insert A by first folding it along score line 21 so that the portions of the slit 23 separating the panels 26, 26', and 25, are in overlying juxtaposition to one another; whereupon, panel 13 and triangular aperture 16 will be disposed over the rectangular aperture 33, all as best seen in FIG. 2. Thereafter, the opposite side of the blank 1 is folded along score line 18 so as to bring the panels 28, 28', into overlying relation with the end flap 11, as best seen in FIG. 3. In such a position, the aperture 16 accepts the tab 6. Referring now to FIG. 4, the structure is subsequently folded back upon itself away from the flap 11 and aperture 16 along the slit score line 31 until the panels 26, 32, and 30, are brought into facewise abutment with their respective matching panels 26', 32, and In this position, the slit score line 31 is presented upwardly in the provision of a common upper margin 34 and the rectangular aperture, in effect, forms a centrally disposed notch or indentation 35 which accepts panels 8 and 13 of the tab 6 and flap 11, respectively. The portions of the flap 11 on each side of the panel 13 will, of course, bend into facewise abutment with the panels 32, 32', below the notch 35. Finally, the panels 28, 24, and 28', 24', are folded along their overlying score lines 7 and 12 and brought into facewise abutment, as best seen in FIG. 5. It is readily apparent that when the insert A is completely assembled all of the panels separated by the perforated score lines will be disposed at right angles if, of course, it is desired to fit the insert A within a rectilinear container. It is also readily apparent that the following sets of panels form the walls of four separate cellular enclosures: 28', 30', 29', and 32'; 28, 29, 30, and 32; and 25, 26, 241, and 32, 25', 26', 24', and 32'.

When fitted within a conventional packing container (not shown), the insert A rigidly assumes the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5 irrespective of whether or not contents are within the cells created by the insert. Thus, the tendency of conventional insert elements to angularly shift with respect to each other when one of the cells is empty or contains a lesser quantity of a certain material than its adjoining cell, does not present itself. Moreover, a double thickness of sheet material surrounds each cell created by the insert A which lends additional protection to any fragile materials which may be packaged therein. The double thickness between the cells is readily apparent in FIG. 5. Since the insert provides a single thickness of sheet material around its outer periphery when assembled, a double thickness at the outer walls is obtained once the insert A is fitted into the packing carton.

It is possible to provide a modified form of insert B as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Insert B is very similar to insert A and is formed from a blank 36 preferably made of corrugated paper or other suitable material and having an aperture 37 spaced inwardly from an end flap 38,

the aperture 37 being sized and shaped to receive a tab 39 located at the opposite end of the blank 36 and projecting outwardly from the end margin thereof. The blank 36 is provided along its longitudinal centerline with slits 60, 61, a slit score line 62, and a centrally disposed aperture 63, all as best seen in FIG. 6. Dividing the blank 36 into a plurality of panels similar to those heretofore described in conjunction with insert A are transversely extending perforated score line 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48. Interposed between the score lines 41, 42, and delineated thereby are panels 49, 49, and similarly disposed between the score lines 47 and the line defined by the end of the blank 36 and the score line 48 are panels 50, 50'.

As will be seen by reference to FIG. 6, the score line 42 is not continuous, but is interrupted on each side of the slit 66 where the blank 36 is cut out into the panels 52, 52, in the provision of locking tabs 51, 52, each having beveled leading edges 53 which lead up to and terminate in opposed notches or indentations 54, the notches S4 of each tab being spaced apart at a distance .9. Similarly, the score line 47 is interrupted on each side of the slit 61 where it is cut out slightly into the panels 50, 50', in the provision of ears 55, 56', each having a length slightly greater than the dimension s and a width slightly greater than the thickness of the sheet material from which the insert B is constructed. The cars 55, 56, are spaced outwardly from the centerline of the blank 36 a distance equal to that of the locking tabs 51, 52, respectively.

The blank 36 of the insert B is transformed into a completed insert B in the same manner as that heretofore described in conjunction with the blank 1 of insert A. However, as will be noted by reference to FIG. 7, during the final steps of assembly, when the panels 49, 50, and 49', 50', are brought into facewise abutment, the tabs 51, 52, project outwardly from the score line 42 and beyond and substantially perpendicular to the panels 49, 49', respectively. Similarly, the cars 55, 56, project outwardly from the score line 47 substantially perpendicular to the panels 50, 51, respectively, whereby to form apertures 57, therein which register with and accept the locking tabs 51, 52. The leading edges 53, of course, cam the end margins of the apertures 57, apart until the panels 49, 50, and 49, 50', are brought into facewise abutment whereupon the notches 54 accept the end margins of the apertures 57, and hold the insert B in the assembled position. Thus, the insert B is rigidly held in the assembled position without the presence of a packing container.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. An insert blank adapted for rapid transformation into a cellular insert for dividing packing containers into cellular compartments; said insert blank comprising a sheet of flexible sheet material having side margins and end margins, an end tab projecting outwardly beyond one end margin of said sheet, and an end flap projecting outwardly from an opposite end margin of the sheet, said sheet having a center portion which is traversed by a score line interposed between said side margins, said sheet being cut out immediately inwardly from said end flap in the provision of an aperture which is adapted to receive said tab when ends of said sheet are folded over onto the center portion thereof, said sheet being cut between said center portion and said aperture along a line substantially colinear with said score line in the provision of a first slit line, said sheet being cut between said second score line and the inner margin of said tab along a line substantially colinear with said score line in the provision of second slit line, whereby each end of said sheet can be folded onto the center portion thereof so that said end tab can engage said aperture whereupon the folded sheet can be folded outwardly away from said tab and aperture along said score line to form an assembled cellular insert.

2. An insert blank according to claim 1 in which said end tab and end flap are formed integral to said sheet and are separated therefrom by second and third score lines, respectively.

3. An insert blank adapted for rapid transformation into a cellular insert for dividing packing containers into cellular compartments; said insert blank comprising a trapezoidal sheet of flexible sheet material having parallel side margins, an end tab projecting outwardly beyond one end margin of said sheet, and an end fla projecting outwardly from the opposite end margin of the sheet, said sheet being traversed by first and second parallel score lines which intersect said side margins and are spaced equidistantly from the inner margins of said end flap and end tab, respectively, whereby to define a center portion, said center portion being traversed by a third score line which is parallel to the side margins of said sheet, said sheet being cut out immediately inwardly from said end flap in the provision of an aperture which is adapted to receive said tab when ends of said sheet are folded over onto the center portion thereof, said sheet being out between said first score line and said aperture along a line colinear with said third score line in the provision of a first slit line, said sheet being out between said second score line and the inner margin of said tab along a line colinear with said third score line in the provision of second slit line whereby each end of said sheet can be folded onto the center portion thereof so that said end tab can engage said aperture whereupon the folded sheet can be folded outwardly away from said tab and aperture along said third score line and said first and second slit lines to form an assembled cellular insert.

4. An insert blank adapted for rapid transformation into a cellular insert for dividing packing containers into cellular compartments; said insert blank comprising a sheet of flexible sheet material having parallel side margins and end margins, an end tab projecting outwardly beyond one end margin of said sheet, and an end flap projecting outwardly from the opposite end margin of the sheet, said sheet being traversed by first and second parallel score lines which intersect said side margins and are spaced equidistantly from the inner margins of said end flap and end tab, respectively, whereby to define a center portion, said center portion being bisected by a third score line which is parallel to the side margins of said sheet, said sheet being cut immediately inwardly from said end flap and centrally between said side margins in the provision of an aperture which is adapted to receive said tab when the opposite ends of said sheet are folded over onto the center portion thereof, said sheet being cut between said first score line and said aperture along a line colinear with said third score line in the provision of a first slit line, said sheet being out between said second score line and the inner margin of said tab along a line colinear with said third score line in the provision of second slit line whereby each end of said sheet can be folded onto the center portion thereof so that said end tab can engage said aperture whereupon the folded sheet can be folded outwardly away from said tab and aperture along said third score line and said first and' second slit lines to form an assembled cellular insert.

5. An insert blank adapted for rapid transformation into a cellular insert for dividing packing containers into cellular compartments; said insert blank comprising a sheet of flexible sheet material having parallel side margins and parallel end margins which are perpendicular to said side margins, an end tab projecting outwardly beyond one end margin of said sheet and being disposed centrally between said side margins, and an end flap projecting outwardly from the opposite end margin of the sheet, said sheet being traversed by first and second parallel score lines which perpendicularly intersect said side margins and are spaced equidistantly from the inner margins of said end flap and end tab, respectively, whereby to define a center portion, said center portion being bisected by a third score line which is parallel to the side margins of said sheet, said sheet being cut out immediately inwardly from said end flap and centrally between said side margins in the provision of an aperture which is adapted to receive said tab when the opposite ends of said sheet are folded over onto the center portion thereof, said sheet being out between said first score line and said aperture along a line colinear with said third score line in the provision of a first slit line, said sheet being out between said second score line and the inner margin of said tab along a line colinear with said third score line in the provision of second slit line whereby each end of said sheet can be folded onto the center portion thereof so that said end tab can engage said aperture whereupon the folded sheet can be folded outwardly away from said tab and aperture along said third score line and said first and second slit lines to form an assembled cellular insert.

6. An insert blank adapted for rapid transformation into a cellular insert for dividing packing containers into cellular compartments, said insert blank comprising a sheet of flexible sheet material having parallel side margins and parallel end margins which are perpendicular to said side margins, an end tab projecting outwardly beyond one end margin of said sheet, and an end flap projecting outwardly from the opposite end margin of the sheet, said sheet being traversed by first and second parallel score lines which perpendicularly intersect said side margins and are spaced equidistantly from the inner margins of said end flap and end tab, respectively, whereby to define a center portion, said center portion being bisected by a third score line which is parallel to the side margins of said sheet, said center portion being centrally provided with an elongated aperture, the longitudinal centerline of which is colinear with said third score line, said sheet being cut out immediately inwardly from said end flap and centrally between said side margins in the provision of tab receiving aperture which is adapted to receive said end ta'b when the opposite ends of said sheet are folded over onto the center portion thereof, said sheet being out between said first score line and said aperture along a line colinear with said third score line in the provision of a first slit line, said sheet being cut between said second score line and the inner margin of said tab along a line colinear with said third score line in the provision of second slit line whereby each end of said sheet can be folded onto the center portion thereof so that said end tab can engage said aperture whereupon the folded sheet can be folded outwardly away from said tab and aperture along said third score line and said first and second slit lines to form an assembled cellular insert.

'7. An insert blank according to claim 6 in which the longitudinal length of said elongated aperture is substantially equal to the distance between the outer margin of said end flap and the innermost portion of said tab receiving aperture.

8. An insert blank for rapid transformation into a cellular insert for dividing packing containers into cellular compartments; said insert blank comprising a trapezoidal sheet of flexible sheet material having parallel side margins and parallel end margins presented perpendicularly to said side margins, an end tab integrally formed with and projecting outwardly beyond one end margin of said sheet, and an end flap integrally formed with and projecting outwardly from the opposite end margin of the sheet, said sheet being traversed by first and second parallel score lines which perpendicularly intersect said side margins and are spaced equidistantly from the inner mar gins of said end fiap and end tab, respectively, whereby to define a center portion, said center portion being traversed by a third score line which is parallel to the side margins of said sheet, said center portion being centrally provided with an elongated aperture, the longitudinal centerline of which is colinear with said third score line, said sheet being cut out immediately inwardly from said end fiap in the provision of a tab receiving aperture which is adapted to receive said end tab when the opposite ends of said sheet are folded over onto the center portion thereof, said sheet being out between said first score line and said aperture along a line colinear with said third score line in the provision of a first slit line, said sheet being cut between said second score line and the inner margin of said tab along a line colinear with said third score line in the provision of second slit line whereby each end of said sheet can be folded onto the center portion thereof so that said end tab can engage said aperture whereupon the folded sheet can be folded outwardly away from said tab and aperture along said third score line and said first and second slit lines to form an assembled cellular insert,

9. An insert blank adapted for rapid transformation into a cellular insert for dividing packing containers into cellular compartments, said insert blank compising a sheet of flexible material having parallel side margins and first and second end margins, said sheet being traversed by a first score line presented in close proximity and parallel to the first end margin whereby to form an end fia'p therebetween, said sheet being provided at its opposite end with a centrally presented tab which is hingcdly secured to said sheet along a second score line and projects outwardly therefrom, said sheet being cut away immediately inwardly from said end flap and centrally between said side margins in the provision of a tab receiving aperture which is sized and shaped to receive said end tab and has at least one linear margin presented in colinear relation to said first score line, said sheet being traversed perpendicularly to said side margins and equidistantly from said first and second score lines by third and fourth score lines, respectively, whereby to form first and second intermediate wall members, said sheet being traversed perpendicularly to said side margins and equidistantly from said third and fourth score lines by fifth and sixth score lines, respectively, whereby to form first and second side wall members, said sheet being traversed perpendicularly to said side margins and equidistantly from said fifth and sixth score lines by seventh and eighth score lines, respectively, whereby to form first and second end wall members having a center portion interposed therebetween, said center portion being bisected by a ninth score line which is presented parallel to the side margins of the sheet, said sheet being centrally cut along a line colinear with said ninth score line by first and second slits which extend respectively between said first and seventh score lines and said second and eighth score lines and divide said end, side, and intermediate wall members into matching halves, whereby said sheet can be folded along said fifth and sixth score lines so as to bring the intermediate wall members into overlying relation to the center portion of the sheet with the end flap interposed between the center portion and the second intermediate wall member, whereupon the sheet can be folded outwardly along the slits and ninth score line and away from the aperture and end tab until the matching halves of the center portion are in facewise abutment, whereupon the folded sheet can be folded again along said first through eighth score lines until the same form the vertices of right angles and the halves of the first and second intermediate wall members on each side of the center portion are brought into facewise abutment, thereby forming an assembled cellular insert.

110. An insert blank adapted for rapid transformation into a cellular insert for dividing packing containers into cellular compartments, said insert blank comprising a sheet of flexible material having parallel side margins and first and second parallel end margins presented perpendicularly to said side margins, said sheet being traversed by a first score line presented in close proximity and parallel to the first end margin whereby to form an end flap therebetween, said sheet being provided at its opposite end with a centrally presented tab which is hingedly secured to said sheet along a second score line and projects outwardly therefrom, said sheet being cut away immediately inwardly from said end flap and centrally between said side margins in the provision of a tab receiving aperture which is sized and shaped to receive said end tab and has at least one linear margin which is presented in colinear relation to said first score line, said sheet being traversed perpendicularly to said side margins and equidistan'tly from said first and second score lines by third and fourth score lines, respectively, whereby to form first and second intermediate wall members, said sheet being traversed perpendicularly to said side margins and equidistantly from said third and fourth score lines by fifth and sixth score lines, respectively, whereby to form first and second side wall members, said sheet being traversed perpendicularly to said side margins and equidistantly from said fifth and sixth score lines by seventh and eighth score lines, respectively, whereby to form first and second end wall members having a center portion interposed therebetween, the distance between Said first and third, fifth and seventh, second and fourth, and sixth and eighth score lines being equal, said center portion being bisected by a ninth score line which is presented parallel to said side margins of the sheet, said sheet being centrally out along lines colinear with said ninth score line by first and second slits which extend respectively between said first and seventh score lines and said second and eighth score lines and divide said end, side, and intermediate wall members into matching halves, whereby said sheet can be folded along said fifth and sixth score lines so as to bring the intermediate wall members into overlying relation to the center portion of the sheet with the end flap interposed between the center portion and the second intermediate wall member, whereupon the sheet can be folded outwardly along the slits and ninth score lines and away from the tab receiving aperture and end tab until the matching halves of the center portion are in facewise abutment, whereupon the folded sheet can be folded again along said first through eighth score lines until the same form the vertices of right angles and the halves of the first and second intermediate wall memiber on each side of the center portion are brought into facewise abutment, thereby providing an assembled cellular insert.

1* An insert blank for rapid transformation into a cellular insert for dividing packing containers into cellular compartments, said insert blank comprising a sheet of flexible material having parallel side margins and first and second parallel end margins presented perpendicularly to said side margins, said sheet being traversed by a first score line presented in close proximity and parallel to the first end margin whereby to form an end flap therebetween, said sheet being provided at its opposite end with a centrally presented tab which is hingcdly secured to said sheet along a second score line and projects outwardly therefrom, said sheet being cut away immediately inwardly from said end fiap and centrally between said side margins in the provision of a tab receiving aperture which is sized and shaped to receive said end tab and 'has at least one linear margin which is presented in colinear relation to said first score line, said sheet being traversed perpendicularly to said sides margins and equidistantly from said first and second score lines by third and fourth score lines, respectively, whereby to form first and second intermediate wall members, said sheet being traversed perpendicularly to said side margins and equidistantly from said third and fourth score lines by fifth and sixth score lines, respectively, whereby to form first and second side wall members, said sheet being traversed perpendicularly to said side margins and equidistantly from said fifth and sixth score lines by seventh and eighth score lines, respectively, whereby to form first and second end wall members having a center portion interposed therebetween, the distance between said first and third, fifth and seventh, second and fourth, and sixth and eighth score lines being equal, the distance be tween said third and fifth, and fourth and sixth score lines being equal to half the distance between said seventh and eighth score lines, said center portion being bisected by a ninth score line which is presented parallel to said side margins of the sheet, said sheet being centrally cut along a line colinear with said ninth score line by first and second slits which extend respectively between said first and seventh score lines and said second and eighth score lines and divide said end, side, and intermediate wall members into matching halves, whereby said sheet can be folded along said fifth and sixth score lines so as to bring the ends of said sheet into overlying relation to the center portion thereof with the end flap interposed between the center portion and the end of the sheet carrying the end tab, whereupon the sheet can be folded outwardly along the slits and ninth score lines and away from the tab receiving aperture and end tab until the matching halves of the center portion are in facewise abutment, whereupon the folded sheet can be folded again along said first through eighth score lines until the same form the vertices of right angles, thereby providing an assembled cellular insert.

'12. An insert blank adapted for rapid transformation into a cellular insert for dividing packing containers into cellular compartments, said insert blank comprising a sheet of flexible material having parallel side margins and first and second parallel end margins presented perpendicularly to said side margins, said sheet being traversed by a first score line presented in close proximity and parallel to the first end margin whereby to form an end flap therebetween, said sheet being provided at its opposite end with a centrally presented tab which is hingedly secured to said sheet along a second score line and projects outwardly therefrom, said sheet being cut away immediately inwardly from said end flap and centrally between said side margins in the provision of a tab receiving aperture which is sized and shaped to receive said end tab and has at least one linear margin which is presented in colinear relation to said first score line, said sheet being traversed perpendicularly to said side margins and equidistantly from said first and second score lines by third and fourth s'core lines, respectively, whereby to form first and second intermediate wall members, said sheet being traversed perpendicularly to said side margins and equidistantly from said third and fourth some lines by fifth and sixth score lines, respectively, whereby to form first and second side wall members, said sheet being traversed perpendicularly to said side margins and equidistantly from said fifth and sixth score lines by seventh and eighth score lines, respectively, whereby to form first and second end wall members having a center portion inter-posed therebetween, the distance between said first and third, fifth and seventh, second and fourth, and sixth and eighth score lines being equal, the distance between said third and fifth, and fourth and sixth score line's being equal to half the distance between said seventh and eighth score lines, said center portion being bisected by a ninth score line which is presented parallel to said side margins of the sheet, said center portion being centrally provided with an elongated aperture, the longitudinal 'centerline of which is colinear with said ninth score line, whereby to form a notch when said center portion is folded along said ninth score line, said sheet being centrally out along a line colinear with said ninth score line by first and second slits which extend respectively between said first and seventh score lines and said second and eighth score lines and divide said end, side, and

intermediate Wall panels into matching halves, whereby said sheet can be folded along said fifth and sixth score lines so as to bring the ends of said sheet into overlying relation to the center portion thereof with the end fia'p interposed between the center portion and the end of the sheet carrying the end tab, whereupon the sheet can be folded outwardly along the slits and ninth score lines and away from the tab receiving aperture and end ta'b until the matching halves of the center portion are in facewise abutment and said end tab and the center portion of said end flap rest in the notch formed by said elongated aperture, whereupon the folded sheet can be folded again along said first through eighth score lines until the same form the verti'ces of right angles and the halves of the first and second intermediate rwall members on each side of the center portion are brought into facewise abutment, thereby providing an assembled cellular insert.

i1 3. An insert blank according to claim 12 in which the length of the elongated aperture is substantially equal to the distance between the outer margin of said end fiap 'and the innermost port-ion of said tab receiving aperture.

14. An insert blank adapted for rapid transformation into a cellular insert for dividing packing containers into cellular compartments, said insert blank comprising first and second matching rectangular center panels each having parallel side margins and first and second parallel end margins and being hingedly secured together along one of the side margins so that the end margins thereof are colinear when said panels are presented in coplanar relation to one another, first and second matching rectangular end wall panels hingedly fastened along one of their lateral margins to the first end margins of said first and second center panels, respectively, third and fourth matching rectangular end wall panels hingedly fastened,

along one of their lateral margins to the second end margins of said first and second center panels, respectively, first and second matching rectangular side wall panels hingedly fastened along one of their lateral margins to the opposite lateral margins of said first and second end wall panels, respectively, third and fourth matching rectangular side wall panels hingedly fastened along one of their lateral margins to the opposite lateral margins of said third and fourth end wall panels, respectively, first and second matching intermediate wall panels hingedly fastened along one of their lateral margins to the opposite lateral margins of said first and second side Wall panels, respectively, third and fourth matching rectangular intermediate wall panels hingedly fastened along one of their lateral margins to the opposite lateral margins of said third and fourth side wall panels, respectively, a flexible end flap hingedly fastened to and interconnecting the opposite lateral margins of said first and second intermediate wall panels, said first and second intermediate wall panels being symmetrically relieved along their opposed margins and along their margins adjacent said end flap in the formation of a tab receiving aperture, and a flexible tab hingedly fastened to and interconnecting the opposite lateral end margins of said third and fourth intermediate wall panels in symmetrical relation thereto, whereby said intermediate wall panels can be brought into facewise overlying relation to said first and second center panels, respectively, with said end flap interposed between said center panels and said third and fourth intermediate wall panels, whereupon said center panels can be folded along their common margins away from said end flap and end tab and brought into facewise abutment, whereupon said intermediate panels can be brought into facewise abutment to form an assembled cellular insert.

15. An insert blank adapted for rapid transformation into a cellular insert for dividing packing containers into cellular compartments, said insert blank comprising first and second matching rectangular center panels each having parallel side margins and first and second parallel end margins and being hingedly secured together along one of the side margins so that the end margins thereof are colinear when said panels are presented in coplanar relation to one another, first and second matching rectangular end wall panels hingedly fastened along one of their lateral margins to the first end margins of said first and second center panels, respectively, third and fourth matching rectangular end wall panels hingedly fastened along one of their lateral margins to the second end margins of said first and second center panels, respectively, and having a transverse width equal to the transverse width of said first and second end wall panels, first and second matching rectangular side: wall panels hingedly fastened along one of their lateral margins to the opposite lateral margins of said first and second end Wall panels, respectively, third and fourth matching rectangular side wall panels hingedly fastened along one of their lateral margins to the opposite lateral margins of said third and fourth end wall panels, respectively, and having a transverse width equal to the transverse width of said first and second side wall panels, first and second matching intermediate wall panels hingedly fastened along one of their lateral margins to the opposite lateral margins of said first and second side wall panels, respectively, third and fourth matching rectangular intermediate wall panels hingedly fastened along one of their lateral margins to the opposite lateral margins of said third and fourth side Wall panels, respectively, and having a transverse width equal to the transverse width of said first and second intermediate wall panels, a flexible end flap hingedly fastened to and interconnecting the opposite lateral margins of said first and second intermediate wall panels, said first and second intermediate wall panels being symmetrically relieved along their opposed margins and along their margins adjacent said end flap in the formation of a tab receiving aperture, and a flexible tab hingedly fastened to and interconnecting the opposite lateral end margins of said third and fourth intermediate wall panels in symmetrical relation thereto, whereby said intermediate wall panels can be brought into facewise overlying relation to said first and second center panels, respectively, with said end flap interposed between said center panels and said third and fourth intermediate wall panels, whereupon said center panels can be folded along their common margins away from said end flap and end tab and brought into facewise abutment, whereupon said intermediate panels can be brought into facewise abutment to form an assembled cellular insert.

16. An insert blank according to claim 12 in which the transverse widths of said end wall panels and intermediate wall panels are equal.

17. An insert blank according to claim 16 in which the transverse width of said side panels is equal to half the distance between said first and second end margins of said center panels.

18. An insert blank according to claim 17 in which the hingedly fastened side margins of said center panels are centrally relieved in the provision of identical elongated cutouts which when said first and second end panels are folded into facewise abutment form elongated notches for receiving the centermost portions of said end flap and end tab.

19. An insert blank according to claim 16 and further characterized by locking means for firmly holding said first and third and said second and fourth intermediate Wall panels in facewise abutment when said insert is completely assembled.

26). An insert blank according to claim 13 and further characterized by locking apertures formed in one matching set of intermediate wall panels and tabs which project beyond the opposite pair of matching intermediate wall panels and register with said locking apertures when the insert is assembled, said tabs being adapted to lock within said locking apertures whereby to hold said insert in the assembled position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,154,085 4/1939 Bergstein 229-28 3,260,440 7/1966 Foley 229-15 JOSEPH R. LECLAIR, Primary Examiner.

R. PESHOCK, Assistant Examiner. 

1. AN INSERT BLANK ADAPTED FOR RAPID TRANSFORMATION INTO A CELLULAR INSERT FOR DIVIDING PACKING CONTAINERS INTO CELLULAR COMPARTMENTS; SAID INSERT BLANK COMPRISING A SHEET OF FLEXIBLE SHEET MATERIAL HAVING SIDE MARGINS AND END MARGINS, AN END TAB PROJECTING OUTWARDLY BEYOND ONE END MARGIN OF SAID SHEET, AND AN END FLAP PROJECTING OUTWARDLY FROM AN OPPOSITE END MARGIN OF THE SHEET, SAID SHEET HAVING A CENTER PORTION WHICH IS TRAVERSED BY A SCORE LINE INTERPOSED BETWEEN SAID SIDE MARGINS, SAID SHEET BEING CUT OUT IMMEDIATELY INWARDLY FROM SAID END FLAP IN THE PROVISION OF AN APERTURE WHICH IS ADAPTED TO RECEIVE SAID TAB WHEN ENDS OF SAID SHEET ARE FOLDED OVER ONTO THE CENTER PORTION THEREOF, SAID SHEET BEING CUT BETWEEN SAID CENTER PORTION AND SAID APERTURE ALONG A LINE SUBSTANTIALLY COLINEAR WITH SAID SCORE LINE IN THE PROVISION OF A FIRST SLIT LINE, SAID SHEET BEING CUT BETWEEN SAID SECOND SCORE LINE AND THE INNER MARGIN OF SAID TAB ALONG A LINE SUBSTANTIALLY COLINEAR WITH SAID SCORE LINE IN THE PROVISION OF SECOND SLIT LINE, WHEREBY EACH END OF SAID SHEET CAN BE FOLDED ONTO THE CENTER PORTION THEREOF SO THAT SAID END TAB CAN ENGAGE SAID APERTURE WHEREUPON THE FOLDED SHEET CAN BE FOLDED OUTWARDLY AWAY FROM SAID TAB AND APERTURE ALONG SAID SCORE LINE TO FORM AN ASSEMBLED CELLULAR INSERT. 